Chelsea to shine on homecoming

Premier League champions to tie things up

Chelsea host London rivals Watford on Monday evening at Stamford Bridge from 8.00pm, their first outing since winning the Premier League on Friday. Conte and co are now seven points clear with only six to play for.

Returning home, Monday gives Chelsea the chance to celebrate what is a historic title in front of their own fans, crossing the line in style. It’s been a long time coming for regulars at the bridge, and there will now be a clamour for tickets to see their returning heroes.

Watford on a losing run

Opponents Watford haven’t enjoyed the same success as their hosts, nowhere near it, in fact. They go into the tie down in 16th, safe from the threat of relegation, but it’s all ended up far too close for comfort. Walter Mazzarri would’ve been tasked with avoiding relegation by the board in pre-season, so it’s mission accomplished in that respect, but they have been poor going into the better weather.

The Hornets battled to a 1-0 win over Swansea exactly a month ago, but that remains the last three points that they’ve picked up. Since then Watford have gone on a miserable four-match losing run, going down to Hull, Liverpool, Leicester and, most recently, Everton. Seven goals have been conceded during that run, none scored.

Hornets goal drought to continue

That’s certain to catch the attention of those who like to follow the stats, and to serve as an extra pointer to punters, Watford have failed to score a goal in four of their last five visits to Stamford Bridge. Backing match favourites Chelsea to win this one to nil will earn you a useful 5/4, when getting on at Coral.

Costa fancied to score first

Diego Costa, who is fast-approaching the end of his time at Chelsea, it is believed, scored a double when Chelsea last hosted Watford, and has netted three goals in the last three games between the two, including the match winner in a 2-1 verdict in the reverse of this fixture back in August.

Taking the want-away striker to break the deadlock and score first on Monday night goes as a 9/4 play with us, while a goal at any point during proceedings is one for your multiples, with 1/2 the call. Tight, but understandable. He did open the scoring in Chelsea’s last home win over Middlesbrough.